Give the Phillies credit for coming back to win their series with the Pirates after Friday's 2-0, 12-inning loss. The starting pitching has been on a roll in recent days, with Jamie Moyer delivering the latest quality outing Sunday. The Phillies need that pitching to continue rolling this week during a West Coast trip to Los Angeles and San Diego.

It could be a pivotal week in the National League East race. While the Phillies head out West, the second-place Mets play eight straight games against the Pirates, diminished by the Xavier Nady and Jason Bay trades, and the dreadful Nationals. Seven of those games are on the road, where the Mets have been mediocre at best. The third-place Marlins play two potential playoff teams at home, hosting the Cardinals and Cubs.

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This week's edition of the Morning Call's point/counterpoint debate focused on the NL East race. I was charged with arguing for the Phillies, while business writer Kevin Duffy argued on behalf of the Mets. You can read the debate here.

To me, a strong case can be made for both the Phillies and Mets winning the division. I consider it a toss-up race that will come down to the final week of the season. Bullpen performance and health will be huge for both teams.

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Today's Phillies Notebook includes items' on Greg Dobbs' continued mastery of pinch hitting and closer Brad Lidge's unavailability because of what he is calling biceps tendinitis. Lidge's health is a big thing to watch this week. The Phillies have to have him to repeat as division champs.

Recent Comments

Welcome back. I hope you brought the Phillies bats with you! They did show heart coming back and winning but they still had a hard time against the team with the worst ERA in the league. I just don't know what is wrong with their offense.